Eating keto doesn’t mean surviving on bacon and butter alone! The ketogenic diet focuses on high-fat, moderate-protein, and super-low-carb foods that push your body into ketosis.
While you probably know the obvious choices, there’s a whole world of surprising foods that fit perfectly into your keto lifestyle. These unexpected keto-friendly options will add variety to your meal plan while keeping those carbs in check.
1. Olives
Forget boring diet food! These wrinkly little flavor grenades pack a serious punch while containing practically zero carbs. A handful of olives delivers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that keep hunger at bay for hours.
Green, black, kalamata—take your pick! They’re all keto superstars. Toss them into salads, blend into tapenade, or just pop ’em straight from the jar during your late-night Netflix binge.
2. Pickles (Dill, Not Sweet)
Craving something crunchy that won’t kick you out of ketosis? Grab a dill pickle! These tangy cucumber transformations contain virtually no carbs unless they’re the sweet variety (which you should avoid like your ex’s Instagram stories).
The salty crunch satisfies those potato chip cravings without the carb consequences. Plus, the vinegar may help stabilize blood sugar levels—bonus points for your keto journey!
3. Pork Rinds
Holy moly—chips with ZERO carbs? Yep, pork rinds are the magical unicorn of keto snacking! These crispy puffs of porky goodness deliver that satisfying crunch without a single carb in sight.
Quality matters though. Skip the artificially flavored versions with questionable ingredients. Opt for simply cooked rinds with minimal additives. Some gourmet brands even come in flavors like rosemary-parmesan or buffalo—making your snack game seriously impressive without derailing your diet.
4. Avocados
Butter fruit, nature’s mayonnaise, green gold—whatever you call avocados, they’re keto royalty! With a whopping 77% fat content and minimal net carbs, these creamy green gems are practically designed for ketogenic eating.
Beyond guacamole, try blending them into smoothies for velvety thickness without added sugar. Cut one in half, remove the pit, crack an egg in the hollow, and bake for an instant breakfast masterpiece.
5. Full-Fat Greek Yogurt (Plain)
“Wait, yogurt on keto?” Absolutely—with a catch! While regular yogurt is a sugar bomb, plain FULL-FAT Greek yogurt can totally work in moderation. A half-cup serving contains roughly 5g carbs with beneficial protein and fat to keep you satisfied.
The thick, creamy texture makes it perfect for making ranch dip, adding to smoothies, or mixing with a few berries for dessert. The live cultures support gut health too—something many restrictive diets overlook.
6. Cottage Cheese (Full-Fat, Unsweetened)
Grandma’s diet food is actually keto gold! Full-fat cottage cheese delivers impressive protein while keeping carbs surprisingly low—about 5g per half-cup serving. The lumpy texture might not win beauty contests, but your macros will thank you.
Mix it with everything bagel seasoning and cucumber slices for a quick lunch. Or go savory with olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. The high casein protein content makes it especially filling and slow-digesting.
7. Dark Chocolate (85% Cacao Or Higher)
Chocolate lovers, rejoice! Your favorite treat isn’t completely off-limits. The secret? Go dark—really dark. When cacao percentage climbs above 85%, sugar plummets and healthy fats take center stage.
A one-ounce square of 90% dark chocolate contains roughly 3g net carbs alongside mood-boosting compounds and antioxidants. Let it melt slowly on your tongue for maximum satisfaction with minimal carbs.
8. Peanut Butter (Natural, No Added Sugar)
Spoon-licking goodness that’s actually keto? Heck yes! Natural peanut butter—the kind where oil separates on top—contains roughly 4g net carbs per two tablespoons. The combination of protein, fat, and fiber creates the perfect keto macronutrient profile.
Stir it into celery boats, blend into smoothies, or make simple keto cookies with just peanut butter, an egg, and sweetener. Just beware of portion sizes—that spoon can keep dipping back into the jar before you realize it!
9. Cabbage
Cabbage might seem boring, but this humble veggie is secretly a keto superstar! With just 2g net carbs per cup and incredible versatility, it deserves VIP status in your low-carb kitchen.
Shred it for crack slaw (the addictive Asian-inspired keto dish), roast wedges with bacon drippings until caramelized, or blanch the leaves to use as sandwich wraps. Purple cabbage adds gorgeous color to salads without adding significant carbs.
10. Celery With Cream Cheese
Remember those childhood “ants on a log” without the raisins? Celery sticks loaded with cream cheese are basically keto perfection! The celery brings crunch and hydration with virtually zero carbs, while full-fat cream cheese adds richness and staying power.
Jazz things up with everything bagel seasoning, bacon bits, or a dash of hot sauce on top. The water content in celery helps flush your system while the fat in cream cheese keeps hunger at bay for hours.
11. Chia Seeds
Don’t let their size fool you! These tiny seeds are keto dynamos with 12g of carbs per ounce—but 11g of that is fiber, leaving just 1g net carbs! Plus, they absorb liquid and expand, creating thick, satisfying textures perfect for keto desserts.
Mix them with unsweetened almond milk, vanilla, and sweetener for overnight chia pudding. Or blend into smoothies for thickness without added bananas or yogurt. They’re virtually tasteless but add incredible texture.
12. Seaweed Snacks
Craving chips but don’t want the carbs? Seaweed snacks deliver that satisfying crispiness with practically zero carb impact! These paper-thin sheets of roasted nori provide the perfect vehicle for salt cravings without derailing ketosis.
Beyond being carb-friendly, seaweed packs impressive nutrition including iodine (essential for thyroid function) and unique plant compounds rarely found in land vegetables. The umami flavor satisfies savory cravings that might otherwise lead to carb binges.
13. Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)
Pasta night is back on the menu! Spiralized zucchini creates noodle-like strands with just 3g net carbs per cup compared to pasta’s whopping 40g. The mild flavor takes on whatever sauce you’re craving without fighting for attention.
Don’t overcook them—that’s the cardinal sin of zoodles. A quick 60-second sauté or even raw keeps them from turning to mush. Pat them dry before cooking to prevent watery sauce syndrome.
14. Sunflower Seeds
Baseball players were onto something! Sunflower seeds deliver that addictive salty crunch with just 3g net carbs per quarter cup. The perfect balance of fat, protein, and fiber makes them ideal for keeping hunger at bay between meals.
Sprinkle them on salads for texture contrast, mix into ground beef for burgers with extra dimension, or simply enjoy by the handful. The vitamin E content supports skin health—a nice bonus when many restrictive diets can affect complexion.
15. Eggplant
Move over, cauliflower—there’s another versatile keto veggie in town! Eggplant contains just 3g net carbs per cup while delivering a satisfying meaty texture that holds up to grilling, roasting, and stuffing.
Slice it thin, brush with olive oil, and bake for chips that can hold dips without breaking. Or cut into planks for no-noodle lasagna layers. The absorbent quality makes it perfect for soaking up flavorful fats and sauces.